The stairs less traveled...the Machu Picchu version.

When I decided that I would not be returning to Brazil next year for school, I knew that I had some big decisions to make. You know the really important stuff, where do I want to live? What do I want to do? But, probably most importantly where do I want to travel? So, I started working on my "Brazilian Bucket List." I thought, I researched, and I selected my top three things that I knew I wanted to experience.

Machu Picchu was definitely one of things I felt like I wanted to experience before I left Brazil. So I jumped into action and booked my ticket. I came back from Holiday break a little early so that I could visit Peru and be back in time for school. My trip took me to several places near Machu Picchu: Cuzco, the Sacred Valley, Aguas Callientes, and of course Machu Picchu.

Cuzco
Most of my trip was spent in this little town about 12,000 feet above sea level. Many parts were built by the Incas and their original stone work can be seen throughout. Cusco has beautiful architecture as well as a town square. For most people traveling to Machu Picchu, Cusco is their first stop. For two days in Cusco, I was on my own which allowed me to even explore some of the local ruins. Which was really interesting. It is amazing that after all of these years it has been so well preserved.

The streets of Cusco

One of Cusco's gates.

Town square

The national cathedral

A girl, two ladies, and their sheep. FYI: This picture cost me a pretty penny.

The cathedral

The beautiful rooftops of Cusco

Coco Tea which is made from the leaves which make Cocaine. It evidently helps with altitude sickness.

Day 2: Local Village
One of the coolest things I did while visiting Peru was travel to a local village. It was an amazing experience. We traveled about an hour and a half outside of Cusco to a small village where we were greeted by some of their residents who taught us about their history and day to day life. We then helped them harvest their potatoes which they then used to make us an amazing meal with local ingredients like quinoa. It was amazing to spend time with people who have not been brought down by technology or modern conveniences. They live a simple life yet they seem so much happier than people who have more.

Cute baby with a cute belly = picture

Gardens

The local road, no pavement...

A donkey.

Potato crops

I loved this little old man. He told us that he is to old to work in the fields so he stay with the women and helps greet people who come to their community. He played this recorder the whole time.

More crops

I loved this little baby. He wanted his picture taken all the time.

The women showing us how to collect the potatoes.

Our turn...

Some of the potatoes we harvested.

Me and my potatoes.

I loved their outfits and hats. They were so colorful

Cooking over an open flame. These corn cakes were delicious.

Demonstrating how they weave their belts to carry the babies with.

Lunch!

Day 3: The Sacred Valley
After we left the local village we headed over to an area known as the Sacred Valley. The area is the beginning of the Inca Trail and at this point, the group members who were hiking, which mind you was everyone BUT me, headed out for a 3 day long hike fest.
After they left in the morning, ,I explored some of the local ruins which was just amazing. My tour guide told me that in order to build the town and the buildings, they would have to mine rock from the quarry, drag it to town, carry it up a hill, and then use it to build. It is amazing how they were able to do all of that with only man power. To say it was impressive would be an understatement.

The steps to the Inca temple

View from the top

These rocks were placed by the Incas. They have no cement and are still there hundreds of years later.

Me and the clouds

The valley

The three levels on the fountain represent the three levels of life. Hell, Earth, and Heaven.

Machu Picchu
On Friday, we took a train out to Machu Picchu. It was about a 2 hour ride but the ride was beautiful. The train had a glass top which allowed you to see the area from every angle. On the way to MP, we learned that there was a rock slide and we wouldn’t be able to take the bus up to MP, we would have to walk on the road. The tour guide, Nora, told me that this would take longer but it was not a bad walk. However, she said, “taking the stairs is awful, but the road isn’t bad at all.” No worries I thought, it will take a while but it will be fine, nothing would be worse than those stairs.
We woke up bright and early on Saturday to head up to MP. When we got to the road, we handed them our tickets and the ticket taker said, “No road, only stairs.” WHAT????????? The stairs. 2 miles of stairs…made of rock. But, I had come this far, I couldn’t turn back. So, I started the trek. At first I was great, no problem. But, about a mile in, I really started to struggle. I sent the tour guide on to the top. If I was going to struggle up those god forsaken stairs, I wanted to struggle without her waiting. 2.5 hours later I finally made it to the top. I was exhausted, proud of myself, but exhausted.
Machu Picchu was beautiful. I loved the views, the landscape, the greenery, all of it. It was easy to see why the Incas had made their empire there. After our guided tour, we headed back down the mountain. Of course now, the freakin buses were up and running.
At lunch, I heard all about their trip on the Inca Trail and I was so glad I did not try to hike it. Between upset stomachs, altitude sickness, and a person who got salmonella poisoning, they had a rough trip.

The train to Machu Picchu

The glass tops made for an amazing view.

This river runs the whole way to MP.

They even had a bar cart. I love that in this pic the lady looks like she is checking out the train attendent.

I finally made it to the top. I loved being around the clouds.

Amazing ruins.

Doorways

The Inca emperor's bathroom

Window with an amazing view.

Machu Picchu

Selfie with Machu Picchu

Traditional MP picture

Sign says it all

THE FREAKING STEPS!!! ABSOLUTELY REDICULOUS...for 2.5 MILES!

I am so glad I got the opportunity to travel to Cusco and Machu Picchu. It was beautiful and I know I will always remember my time there. Luckily, I bought a couple of amazing things to remember my trip there.